Figures reveal hundreds of bikes stolen
JON MACPHERSON
HUNDREDS of bikes and motorbikes have been stolen across Hyndburn in the last five years, the Observer can reveal.
Figures released by Lancashire Police under the Freedom of Information Act show how owners living in the Church and Milnshaw wards have been the most vulnerable with 69 reported thefts between 2011 and 2015.
However, there has also been an alarming spike across the Peel and Barn- field wards in Accrington over the last three years with 12 motorbike thefts in 2015 compared to none in 2013. The number of bike thefts across Peel and Barnfield has also nearly trebled since 2011 - up from four to 11.
The exclusive figures show bike and motorbike
THEFTS OF BIKES AND MOTORBIKES ACROSS HYNDBURN 2011-15
2011 - 52 (33 bikes, 19 motorbikes); 2012 - 78 (52 bikes, 26 motorbikes); 2013 - 90 (68 bikes, 22 motorbikes); 2014 - 109 (67 bikes, 42 motorbikes); 2015 - 94 (51 bikes, 43 motorbikes) Total - 423 (271 bikes, 152 motorbikes) Source: Lancashire Police
THEFTS 2011-2015, BY WARD (2015 FIGURE IN BRACKETS):
Church and Milnshaw – 69 (14); Barnfield, Peel and Woodnook – 62 (23); Altham and Clayton-le-Moors – 52 (12); Rishton – 49 (8); Central and Springhill – 48 (8); Netherton and Overton – 47 (10); St Andrew’s and Immanuel – 46 (8); Accrington town centre – 17 (4); Huncoat – 15 (5); St Oswald’s and Knuzden – 11 (2); Baxenden – 7 (0) owners living in Claytonle-Moors and Altham have also been targeted 52 times with another 48 incidents in Central and Springhill and 47 in Great Harwood.
Peel ward councillor Joyce Plummer, who sits on the Lancashire Police and Crime Panel for Hyndburn, said the figures are concerning and has warned residents to keep their homes locked and property secured.
She said: “The figures in Peel and Barnfield are particularly high compared to places like Barnfield and we need to take more care.
“I think the problem in all areas, but mainly in Peel and Barnfield, is insecure buildings or people leaving keys where thieves can see them.
“We have discussed this at meetings where people are leaving keys behind their front door or in the lock and they can get easy access to them. There have been quite a few cars as well taken in this area recently through that kind of thing. Councillor Paddy Short and myself have been round those areas over the weekend and spoke to residents, particularly the elderly, about leaving doors and windows insecure.”
Lancashire Police revealed earlier this month how 3,852 bikes - worth over £1.8 million - were stolen across the county last year.
Sgt Dave Sherrington said: “This is only the thefts which were reported to police – we actually believe there are more thefts which remain unreported. It appears that the recent rise in the purchase of expensive high-tech bikes is fuelling the thefts.”
The constabulary has launched a campaign which will see officers carrying out bike coding and handing out postcards with advice on how to prevent bicycles being stolen.